"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."- Proverbs 16:9

"Every man leaves a lasting influence... that will affect future generations for centuries to come. But let's face it, not all legacies are the same. Some are productive, others are destructive. Some are illustrious, others are infamous... what kind of a legacy will you leave behind? A spiritual legacy is one that money can't buy and taxes can't take away, it is passing down to the next generation what matters most."
Steven J. Lawson

Thursday, July 15, 2010

It has been some time since my last blog post, and I apologize, but I have been very busy. This week I have been out in the forests making benches and handrails, as well as clearing off trails in the Cherokee National Forest. The Lord has blessed me with some creative and talented groups to work with and I have been fortunate to pass on some wisdom to the kids who have been under my supervision. Just today I was able to share with some kids today about the fruits of their labors and how even when they are tired and hot, they can still have fun and enjoy being inGod's creation, working with their hands and enjoy the finished product. Even though the groups are here for only a week, we are given the oppurtunity to have fellowship with believers from all over the country and work and serve others together. I try to remind the kids that they are here to serve and demonstrate the love of Christ to others whether it be painting a house or cleaning someone's yard. Through my interactions with youth leaders and youth, God is teaching me patience, love, and kindness.

He is teaching me humble leadership and servanthood, whether it be with a group or with fellow coworkers. When I have projects with another coworker, my first inclination this week was to take co-command or to take charge myself, but the Lord humbled me, and made the opposite happen. My sinful nature doesn't want to take the back seat; it wants to be first, but I am reminded, that even if the other leader wants things done differently than how I want them done, I must be a peacemaker, and deal with my jealousy and pride, and die to myself.

I am truly thankful for the community of believers here at Eagle Ranch. We have recently finished the book of James in our staff devotional, and our goal each week is to hold each other accountable to the things we are learning each week in our study. Also, we take prayer requests and pray for each other throughout the week. One of the raft guides, Justin Boldt, worked with me this week in the forests and has also been my accountabilty partner. He is always there to confront me in sin, and to encourage me in my walk with the Lord. God has greatly used him to point out sin in my life. Justin has been a great example to me of one who sacrifices himself for others. This is the greatest thing that I have learned over the last three weeks. Every day, I learn just how selfish my heart can be, but everyday I learn how gto be selfless and to love others, even those "difficult" people around me.

Quotes

"Every man dies, not every man truly lives" William Wallace

" We're all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there's still hope. But Blithe, the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you're already dead. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you'll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends on it. " Spiers from Band of Brothers

" As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. It is in such twilight that we all must be aware of change in the air-however slight- lest we become victims of the darkness."- Justice William Douglas

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."- Dietrich Bonhoeffer